Dear Member,

Happy New Year! As always we hope that the next year will prove a good one for our bees and that they come through the winter as strong, successful colonies.

To learn more about your bees do come to Graham Royale’s talk on the third Wednesday of January. Graham is an excellent speaker and his talk ‘Apis through the Looking glass’ gives an insight into what makes our bees tick and how we can best help them to thrive and prosper. You will learn a lot in a short space of time - come along and be amazed.

We did not arrange a Christmas dinner in 2016, as we have done in previous years, to support the annual Rugby charity appeal ‘Crackerteria’, but we did have a lighthearted evening at the December meeting where we broke into four teams to tickle our brain cells and test our general knowledge in a quiz. It was an enjoyable evening, the quiz was won by Sam’s team (again!) and as a result we may have to consider a handicap for her if we have another quiz!

A number of people were unfortunately unable to join us at the quiz because of other commitments or illness, but Gail and Steve contributed handsomely to the buffet despite having to rush off to another engagement, so thanks to them and everyone else who came along and shared delicious seasonal treats. I have acquired a very nice sealable plastic container and a plate that were left at the end, so if anyone would like to lay claim to them, please contact me. I will also try to remember to bring them to the January meeting.

Do bear in mind that we have our Annual General Meeting in February and as several members of the committee are standing down we will be looking for some willing volunteers to join the committee. It is not an onerous commitment as we only meet 4 times a year and the committee members often help with events which we attend 3 or 4 times a year. Your involvement would be much appreciated.

At the AGM we also need to elect a new Chair as Steve has now served his 2 years, and as I am standing down as Honey Show Secretary, we will be looking for someone (or two) to take this over if we are to continue to have a Honey Show. Peter Harris is also standing down as the organiser of the speakers for our meetings, so we will need to replace him too. Please give some thought to who you would like to nominate for these different positions.

Maurice West, who is a fine woodwork craftsman, has built a beautiful display case for a frame of sealed honey which we would like to auction at the AGM in February, so consider your bids and if you are unable to attend the AGM but would like to bid, please send me your bid.

Margaret Holdsworth